Anthony Synnot
The Australian admiral who steered the nation's unified military as the first Chief of the Defence Force during a pivotal period of strategic change.
1922–2001 (age 79)·Birthday: January 5·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Anthony Synnot's naval career was a steady climb through the ranks of a service evolving in the shadow of the Vietnam War and into a new era of joint operations. A dedicated officer from his entry into the Royal Australian Naval College in 1936, he commanded the destroyer HMAS Voyager before its tragic 1964 collision, an event that marked him deeply but did not define his service. His strategic acumen saw him rise to become Chief of Naval Staff in the 1970s, where he championed a more integrated Australian Defence Force. This vision culminated in his 1979 appointment as the inaugural Chief of the Defence Force, a role created to unify the army, navy, and air force under a single military leader. In this post, Synnot navigated complex geopolitical shifts and budgetary pressures, setting the structural and cultural groundwork for the modern, joint-force military Australia relies on today. His tenure was characterized by a quiet, determined professionalism that earned him deep respect across the armed services.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Anthony was born in 1922, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Anthony Was Born
The biggest hits of 1922
#1 Movie
Robin Hood
Anthony's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1922Born
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1927Started school
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1935Became a teenager
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1938Could drive
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1940Could vote
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1943Turned 21
Allies invade Sicily; Battle of Stalingrad ends
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,290Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I've Heard That Song Before" — Harry JamesBest Picture: Casablanca
1952Turned 30
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1962Turned 40
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 50
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 60
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1992Turned 70
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2001Died at 79
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
Key Achievements
- Served as the first Chief of the Defence Force of Australia from 1979 to 1982, establishing the role's authority.
- Previously held the position of Chief of Naval Staff from 1976 to 1979.
- Commanded the destroyer HMAS Voyager prior to its infamous 1964 collision with HMAS Melbourne.
- Was knighted in 1980 for his service to the Australian military.
Did You Know?
He was the first Australian-born officer to serve as Chief of Naval Staff.
During World War II, he served on the cruiser HMAS Shropshire and was present at the surrender of Japanese forces in Tokyo Bay.
The Synnot Building at the Australian Defence College in Canberra is named in his honor.
“A captain's duty is to his ship and crew, regardless of the political weather.”
